New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1874.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4242, 24 October 1874, Page 2

New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1874.

The speech of Mr. Waxes to the Dunedin electors, appears to have taken some people by surprise, because he announced himself in favor of the abolition of provincial institutions ; but we have reason to think that the majority of the constituency are quite in accord with their representative, on that question at least. Indeed, there is not a newspaper in the province of Otago which ventures to defend the provincial system. But while the provincial executive officers have the control of the large patronage which the expenditure of the funds at their disposal necessarily creates, there will not be wanting an army of zealous provincialists. This appears to be the strong point of the Superintendents. They are able to oppose colonial unity by the expenditure of colonial funds, because although the territorial revenue has been constituted provincial revenue for purposes of local appropriation, it is none the less colonial revenue. And it is well to recognise this fact. It will have very great influence in determining the character of the opposition to tho Government proposals. But at all events it is satisfactory to know that public men aro unrnistakeably showing their colors. Mr. Wales, in Dunedin, has done good service by his outspoken candour. As a young politician, he might have kept back his opinion, and left the public in doubt, but with becoming spirit, he has left no room to doubt which way he intends to vote. Mr. Pabker, at Motueka, made a very sensible speech to his constituents, who passed a resolution at the close of tl«! meeting, in favor of the abolition of the provincial form of government.- This was confirming, in a rural district, tho vote which had been recorded at Superintendent Ourtis's meeting in tho city. Tho Southland constituencies take tho same view of the question, and it is nowhere met by any strong countervailing opinion. In Canterbury, we are credibly informed that were a poll of the entire population taken on the question whether provincial institutions should be abolished, at least four-fifths of the votes would be cast in favor of abolition. Westland would be a unit for abolition, if the question were remitted to tho people. So also it may bo said of Tarauaki and Hawke's

Bay, and a very powerful political organisation has been set on foot in Auckland to accomplish the destruction of provincialism. Under these circumstances, one cannot doubt the feeling of the country. Of course, there is Sir Geob be Grey's appeal to parents on behalf of the Constitution ; but, sentiment apart, we don't see much in it. To ask the country to submit to the waste and misrule occasioned by ; the conflict of General and Provincial Governments, because sons of colonists are eligible for the office of Superintendent, is stretching the point tpo far. It would be paying too dear for the provincial whistle. Colonists are generally of a practical turn of mind, ami they will prefer present economy to wasteful expenditure in pursuit of an absurd dream of ambition, which is to be gratified, in the persons of their descendants, at some remote future. We are greatly surprised indeed that Sir George Grey put forward such an argument, but as we find it occupying such prominence in his memorial, we suppose it is the very best argument that could be used. One thing, however, may be said of Sir George Grey's memorial or memorandum, and it is not the least important point in connection with it. He has pushed the abolition question a stage forward. It is hardly possible to restrict the action of the Legislature to the Nortii Island in the face of such a manifesto, which will be adopted by ultra-provinoialists all oyer the colony. The questior.rwill bo so thoroughly agitated during the recess, that public opinion will have had time to crystalise. Whatever, therefore, that opinion may bo, (and we cannot doubt that it will be in favor of abolishing the provinces,') it will be a colonial opinion. There will be a demand for uniformity of system ; for more extended powers of local administration; for a more equitable distribution of the revenue, and an equalisation of. taxation. These great reforms might have been postponed for some time longer; butthoultra-provincialists, headed by Sir George Grey, are forcing them on apace. ___^________